This Time, an Army Non-Commissioned Officer Sexually Harasses an Officer

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yang Nak-gyu]An allegation has been raised that a male Army non-commissioned officer sexually harassed a male superior officer, prompting the military police to launch an investigation.

On the 14th, according to the Army, a non-commissioned officer serving in an Army unit in the central region is under investigation for allegedly making physical contact with a company-grade officer at a single officer's quarters while intoxicated. It was found that the non-commissioned officer had been drinking with three other non-commissioned officers.

He reportedly claims that the physical contact occurred as a way to express friendliness to the officer with whom he had a close relationship. A military official stated that if actions causing sexual shame were involved, the individual could be punished not only for sexual harassment but also for insulting a superior. After the victim initially reported the incident to the Defense Helpline but later withdrew the complaint, some have raised suspicions of coercion by the unit.

An Army official said, "So far, there is no evidence that the unit pressured the victim to withdraw the report," adding, "We are focusing the investigation on the sexual harassment allegations."

The military police are also investigating allegations that the four individuals, including the non-commissioned officer accused of sexual harassment, have been abusing their authority over soldiers and fellow non-commissioned officers.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.